Two dead on Carlow farm in murder-suicide tragedy
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TWO related men have been found dead in a suspected murder-suicide on neighbouring farms in Co Carlow.
They were named locally as George Rothwell (71), and his younger brother-in-law Michael Jordan.
Mr Rothwell was found shot dead where a fire had broken out on a farm at Ballycormack, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow.
His body was found in a farmhouse at about 4am today by local firefighters.
Several hours later, the body of another man, Mr Jordan (51), was found shot dead in a building on an adjoining farm.
It is understood the younger man’s wife Hilda, a sister of the older victim, found her brother’s body.
Firemen fought hard to get the blaze under control.
“There were a number of hayshed buildings spread over quite a large area that were well alight,” said Ger Guerin, chief fire officer for Carlow.
“It presented some logistical problems for us – but we overcame them very quickly.”
Gardai said the second man was found dead at 9am.
A Garda spokesman said the scenes of both incidents have been sealed off and forensic examinations will take place.
It is believed both men suffered gunshot wounds.
Deputy State Pathologist Michael Curtis is examining the bodies while the Garda Technical Bureau is investigating the area and the farm buildings.
A number of livestock was also killed in the fire and some cattle were rescued from one of the barns.
Press Association
